Jogger Injured by Hit and Run Driver
A jogger was injured in Carmichael on March 22 after an erratic driver reportedly struck the woman on purpose. According to deputies with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, the woman was jogging with her dog along the curbside of the street in the 25 mph area of Rolling Oak Drive and Hackberry Lane. A man who was in a white BMW sped past her at more than 50 mph, turned the corner and then doubled back and struck her. In California, a driver who injures someone and flees the scene may face felony charges of hit-and-run.
Further Information About the Accident
According to the Sheriff’s Department, someone in the area had told the man to stop driving in that manner or slow down. He continued to drive recklessly, doing donuts in the street and then aimed for the woman, running her down. One neighbor said she had been running but had no place to go when the vehicle struck her, and that his car went up on the sidewalk. The injured pedestrian was taken to a hospital for treatment of her injuries, which were described as non-life-threatening. According to one of the witnesses, those in the neighborhood are on edge because the incident showed a lack of regard for someone’s life. Following the accident, the woman’s pet German Shepherd ran away. Neighbors looked for the dog throughout the day and found her safe and healthy.
Vehicle of Erratic Driver Located
The vehicle driven by the suspect was located by deputies and towed in as evidence. However, authorities are still looking for the man who was driving the BMW, and those with information are asked to phone (916) 874-5115, which is the County Sheriff’s Office. The incident was captured on video from one of the neighbor’s doorbells.
Negligence and Accidents
There are a number of reasons an erratic driver acts the way they do, but all of them display negligence. If a driver intentionally harms another person, the injured individual may be able to claim punitive damages in a court case. Other reasons include:
- A driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol is probably the most common reason for an erratic driver. Drivers who are intoxicated lose their inhibitions, display poor judgment and bad reflexes, which can lead to an accident. Issues with stopping and speeding, lack of vigilance, and the inability to maintain a lane are common dangers to others.
- Road rage and aggressive driving are conditions where the motorist feels they have no duty of care to others. Drivers of this type may tailgate, threaten another person, cut in and out of traffic, and commit other dangerous acts.
What a Lawyer Does to Help
In personal injury cases, it must be proven that the at-fault party was negligent and that the negligence caused the accident injuries. We send our investigators out right away to gather the evidence needed to support our client’s claim for personal injury damages. After checking the police report for mistakes and talking to witnesses, the investigators look for camera footage from traffic lights, businesses and even homes such as the one that captured the vehicle that injured the pedestrian above. They also perform accident reconstruction, which shows how the incident occurred. Once the evidence has been gathered, our lawyers work to build a case in favor of our client, which can be used on their behalf when negotiating with the insurance company or in a court case.
Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Carmichael
I’m Ed Smith, a pedestrian accident lawyer in Carmichael. Being struck by a vehicle is a horrifying experience, but it is inconceivable that a driver might do it on purpose. When you’ve suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, I may be able to help you obtain compensation. Call me at (916) 921-6400 in the Carmichael area or (800) 404-5400 from elsewhere. You can also message me using the online form.
Look over client reviews and some of the cases handled in the past by my law firm at:
I’m honored to be a member of the Million Dollar Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
In my job as an injury lawyer in the Carmichael area for the past 38 years, I helped numerous people get compensation in cases involving wrongful deaths, serious injuries, and all types of traffic accidents.
Photo Attribution: Photo by Pixabay from Pexels
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